With more and more Australians getting into the Halloween spirit every year – around 25 percent of us actively celebrate the holiday now – the most costume committed spooksters are going the extra mile and adding cosmetic contact lenses to change the colour or appearance of their eyes for aesthetic effect.
And while we know they might throw some spooky vibes and help take your final look from chic to eeeek, cosmetic contact lenses have the potential to haunt your vision beyond the Trick or Treating circuit.
When prescribed and cared for properly, contact lenses provide can provide a form of eyewear or cosmetic enhancement with many benefits.
However, misuse and unhygienic maintenance are also leading causes of infection from contacts lenses.
Sharing contacts between family and friends can spread germs and not caring for lenses appropriately may cause bacterial issues such as conjunctivitis and keratitis (eye ulcers), which may permanently affect vision.
“The most important thing to understand, and not just for Halloween, is that contact lenses are not toys or ‘one size fits all’- they are medical devices and it's important to visit your optometrist to see whether lenses are suitable for your unique eyes, and if so, have the lenses fitted specifically to the size of your eyes," said Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer at Optometry Australia.
Unsafe points of purchase
One of the most significant dangers of cosmetic contact lenses is how people source and obtain them.
Buying lenses from costume shops or online marketplaces without a prescription increases the risk of ending up with counterfeit or unapproved products that may not meet safety standards.
“Each year we see a rise in people purchasing and wearing contacts that aren’t approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or prescribed by their optometrist. Purchasing unapproved and counterfeit lenses from overseas based providers presents a risk for serious eye infection.”
A recent article in the Journal of Forensic Sciences tested 300 pairs of these types of lenses and found 48 percent of the non-prescription cosmetic lenses and 60 percent of the counterfeit lenses tested positive for the kinds of microbial contamination frequently found in hospital wastewater or spoiled food[1].
“Wearing cosmetic contact lenses that have not been prescribed or fitted by an eye care professional can lead to serious eye infections, corneal ulcers and vision problems. If you are wanting to sport spooky eyes this Halloween, it’s imperative to visit your optometrist to discuss the safest cosmetic contact options available.”
Poor eye hygiene
Another concern surrounding cosmetic contact lens wear is the lack of proper hygiene methods being applied to care for them properly - failing to clean and store your lenses correctly can lead to bacterial or fungal infections.
“Just like with day-to-day contact lenses, it’s essential to follow a strict routine for cleaning, disinfecting and storing cosmetic contact lenses. Always use the recommended lens solution to sterilise contacts and never share your lenses with others. Your hands should also be clean and dry before handling lenses to prevent cross contamination. And very importantly, never, ever leave cosmetic contact lenses in while you sleep.”
Improper fit
It’s important to remember that cosmetic contact lenses are made to be worn for a good time, not a long time.
Most are not designed for extended wear and having them on your eye surface for long periods can lead to discomfort, dryness and eye irritation.
Ill-fitting lenses can also cause abrasions on the cornea or conjunctivitis infections, which can be painful and may require medical attention.
“Be sure to adhere to the recommended wear time for your cosmetic lenses and remove them if you experience any discomfort or irritation. Making an appointment with your optometrist will also help to ensure lenses fit your eyes comfortably and properly.”
Reduced vision
Cosmetic contact lenses can also impair vision, especially if they don't fit correctly or if they obstruct the pupil. Reduced vision can be dangerous, particularly when navigating unfamiliar surroundings or engaging in activities like driving.
“It probably goes without saying that wearing vision impairing cosmetic lenses should be avoided at all costs; you don’t want to be rummaging through a First Aid kit, taking a trip to the doctor’s office or even visiting a hospital emergency department because you’ve injured yourself at a Halloween party or during a Trick or Treat trip with the kids because you couldn’t see properly.”
If you are wanting to add cosmetic contact lenses to complete your Halloween costume, there are ones available that are safe to use; you just need to schedule an appointment with your optometrist and start that conversation so you can enjoy a spooky and safe Halloween without any unpleasant eye-related surprises.
What about costume make up and eye safety?
While costume makeup is usually a fun and creative part of the Halloween costume experience, if it’s not safely applied it can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and infections.
“To keep eyes healthy and prevent discomfort during Halloween festivities, refrain from applying makeup inside the eyelash line – this can heighten irritation and dryness of the eye surface. Additionally, glitter particles found in metallic makeup can potentially migrate onto the eye surface if applied too close to the eyelids. Craft glitter, which may contain metal or glass particles and harmful dyes, should never be used for cosmetic purposes."
